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One of the key attributes of a successful and profitable rental business is finding and maintaining the best renters, which is why landlords and property managers need assurance they are making the right decision by choosing you.
The landlord will thoroughly vet the applicants' background and employment histories to ensure they're viable candidates. Then, it’s up to the tenant to continue the relationship with communication and honesty. The responsibility of the military renter is to make rent payments on time while taking care of the property they've signed a contract to live in. These are the qualities it takes to be an amazing tenant. The adage, “Do unto others as you would have done to you,” goes a long way.
Read on for examples on how to be the renter landlords dream about!
Show Commitment: Read the Contract
By reading the contract thoroughly and asking questions, potential tenants demonstrate to the landlord the investment they're willing to contribute toward the mutual benefit of a happy tenant and landlord.
Take the time to understand potentially confusing language. Ask if the landlord is aware of the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA) or if they are willing to accept a custom military clause necessary.
Security and pet deposits also tend to be misunderstood. Some deposits are refundable. Other payments, such as a pet fee, are not. Deposits for damages are deducted at move-out, but it’s up to the landlord, and state laws concerning deposits may also come into play. It's even worth asking for an explanation of small details, such as who (tenant or landlord) earns the accrued interest on the deposits after the lease term expires.
Here’s more help for Breaking Down the Finances of Renting a Home.
Get familiar with lease terms that might cost money over time at the property. Prices for lawn care and maintenance like gutter cleaning add up. Ask for clarity, if necessary, whether or not the money owed for rent each month is the only fee included with the house. Neighborhood association fees are common payments that go beyond rent.
Tenants may also be liable for damages to the property if they've agreed to take care of maintenance but ignored the tasks— for instance, not maintaining the sump pump, which caused water damage.
The lease should define when, how often, and how much advance notice the landlord must give before showing up to enter the house. Some renters are sensitive about the perceived intrusion. If the homeowner is hands-on and a tenant doesn't appreciate the check-ups, the lease is the place to agree.
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Understand Your Rental Home Is the Landlord's Rental Business
A rental house is a temporary home for tenants and their families, with minimal responsibilities, but for the homeowner or property manager, it's a rental business. The responsibility for legally maintaining the property is significant. Safety codes, taxes, and repairs are just the beginning of the duties that a business owner has to accomplish.
By respecting the home as a business, a tenant acknowledges that an on-time rent payment is crucial. When it’s time to discuss deposit returns, renters should comply with the wording in the lease if they've caused damage beyond the stated parameters.
Renters insurance is likely a requirement described in the lease. Tenants are required to show that they've purchased coverage before moving in. This precaution puts both the renter's and the landlord’s minds at ease. Remember, the homeowner's policy doesn’t include the renter’s belongings and won’t pay for hotel stays if the tenant has to vacate the property temporarily.
Wonder if you need coverage? Here’s 5 Reasons You Need Renters Insurance.
There’s a possibility that the landlord doesn't live in the area, and much of their duties will require long-distance coordination with the tenant, including scheduling repair work. Value the landlord's time and the time of the repair company and stay at home for scheduled work. Repeated rescheduling wastes everyone's time and money.
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Don't Hide Problems, People, or Pets
Dishonesty kills relationships, including the one between a landlord and their tenant. The chances of successfully hiding something illegal or out of the bounds of a lease are low. From neighbors’ reports to drive-bys, a hidden pet or unauthorized person living in the house will be obvious as landlords have various ways of keeping up with their property and tenants.
Once a tenant breaks the initial trust, it will be difficult for the landlord to be comfortable with a hands-off approach to the tenancy, not to mention they may have grounds to evict.
Mistakes happen. Drywall is easy to damage. Dogs chew baseboards, and kids break everything. Most landlords know a rental property won’t go unscathed and will be happy to work with their tenants to avoid significant issues later. For instance, report a toilet that overflows and floods the bathroom because of a flushed toy. Correcting water damage or mold down the line is more difficult if the problem is hidden or ignored.
If the lease states that the tenant must manage the landscaping or another household maintenance chore, keep detailed records of receipts when hiring a company or take pictures to document the completed work. If a large problem occurs, such as a leaking foundation, the tenant will have proof that they've cleaned and cleared the gutters on the schedule written in the lease.
Stay Communicative
Tenants hate when they can’t find their landlord if there’s a major problem, and landlords hate when tenants surprise them with long-term issues they’ve been attempting to manage without their guidance.
Get more insight: Communication Solutions for Landlords and Tenants.
The inability to pay rent in full or on time is a common issue, but it’s often exacerbated when there’s been silence from the tenants after the payment date has passed. The landlord prefers to understand the issues ahead so that they, too, can prepare their finances. Remember, a rental house is a business.
Pest infestation is a problem that grows out of hand quickly. Although renters can try to manage a squirrel nest in the attic on their own, they're likely not a pest removal specialist, and the damages will grow worse by the day. Tell the landlord about the problem so they can decide how far to let the DIY treatment go. This communication protects the tenant from liability and the property from expensive repairs.
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Ask About Decorating
Here’s the bottom line up front. If home decorating improves the property, the landlord will likely approve the update after seeing the paint or plans for the change, especially if the tenant is willing to cover the costs. At times when the renter feels it's the homeowner’s responsibility to pay, that’s a discussion to be had up front, not an unwelcome reveal on the move-out date.
Think as the business owner would and suggest improvements that increase the property’s appeal. Neutral paint, a light fixture swap, or ceiling fan installation are strong property enhancements to present to the landlord.
When a tenant's tastes are specific (say a child really wants a bubble gum pink bedroom), they should ask. The homeowner could eagerly approve but may require a neutral color repaint before moving out. Homeowners prefer happy tenants because they’re more likely to take better care of the property and extend their lease, so some personalization is usually on the negotiation table.
If you need inspiration, read Decorate Your Rental Without Losing Your Deposit.
Don’t make major changes, such as adding a deck or replacing a bathroom vanity, without explicit, written permission from the owner. It’s also a good idea to involve them in the progress to ensure everyone agrees with the transformation and the end product.
Go the Extra Mile
Want to make an unforgettable impression so the landlord will happily send a reference for the next rental property? Here’s a list of impactful ideas that will earn a gold star as a tenant.
- Put protective pads on the furniture's feet to avoid marking floors.
- Don’t leave the definition of a “clean home” up for debate; it should be obvious.
- Let the homeowners know if their mail accidentally arrives.
- Maintain a list of home repair vendors and notes about the interactions, positive and negative.
- Tackle small projects like updating the batteries in smoke detectors.
- Chat with the neighbors to show goodwill.
- Leave working light bulbs for the next renter.
Military renters have a reputation for being good tenants. The ability to pay on time, pride of ownership, and an overall desire to do the right thing sets military renters apart. Applicants can take advantage of this standard and show the landlord how amazing of a tenant they can be by maintaining a strong landlord/tenant relationship.
By Dawn M. Smith
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